Those are just two relatively simple and straightforwardperceptions that just didn’t pan out for me.

Earlier tonight I shared my 9 months in and 9 months out photos. Every time I flicked back to Instagram, I grew increasingly self-conscious because damn girl, I had two babies I don’t look like a supermodel with chub like that.

My postpartum body isn’t unlike my prepartum body.

I’ve always been kind of chunky and curvy all over. Right before I got pregnant with my first, I had finally joined Onderland for the first time since being a preteen. It was kind of a big deal. There was kind of a big celebration because seriously, I had never been under 200 pounds in my adult life.. And that was mostly because of a lot of dedication to Weight Watchers and learning to run.

Two babies later and I now weigh more today than I did when I was full term with my second baby. I just love cheeseburgers and chocolates.

Some moms, like me, don’t lose weight when breastfeeding.

I could breastfeed a dozen children and still pack on weight faster than a bear preparing for winter. Breastfeeding gives me a severe case of the munchies and I find myself shovelling food into my body faster than I can keep up. In such, I pack the pounds right back on quicker than I did 9 months ago.

What’s a mom to do?

I guess I could go to the gym, or start running. Both of those tasks take a whole lot of courage, strength and determination; something I just don’t have a lot of these days. It’s challenging enough to raise tiny kids, but to muster up anything more than the bare minimum is asking for a miracle on the easiest of tough days.

I’ve never been skinny, so the motivation to have a body I know nothing about does little for my motivation. I literally can’t even imagine what I would look like at my ideal weight because the last time I remember being less than 180lbs, I was 14. Imaging my skinny self is intangible.

Improving my physical health would do wonders for my mental health. There’s something about endorphins and moving your body that really gets your brain in a good space. However, getting there takes a whole lot of courage, strength and determination. I’ll say it again because I’m just not mentally there yet, and I need to be in a better place emotionally to cope with the simples of weight loss.

Sure, I could take the kids to the local gym but then I would need the courage to leave them with childcare providers I know nothing about. I would need the strength to walk into a room of strangers and do something I’m not comfortable doing – exercise. I would need the determination to come back and do it again. These are things I only have on good days and my bad days outnumber my good days.

Embracing Post Partum Chubby Tummy

Just embrace this postpartum body because you have forever to become whoever you want to be. Just make better choices and build yourself a village of people to help you get to the place you need to be to be the best version of yourself.

One day I’ll get there too, but for now, I’ll remind myself that belly grew two beautiful babies and that’s something worth admiring.

If you haven’t already tried these sweat pants from Costco, you need them. Out with the leggings and in with beautiful cozy cotton terry warmth and goodness. This is my mom uniform and I don’t care.

I just sold the crib. #maybe. I took it down, and I put it in the garage and posted it on Facebook Marketplace. Who was I kidding? This mama was destined to cosleep (read: bedshare) with her babies. That crib, it was just holding my laundry.

Disclosure: First, DaisyPops sent me these beautiful breastfeeding shirts to promote. Second, where possible, I do use affiliate links to garnish a small income. Third, don’t be stupid, cosleep safely. Fourth, if you are adamantly opposed to cosleeping and bedsharing, cool, glad it works for your family. Check out this awesome post about self-care.

Confessions of a Cosleeper

I’m kind of terrified to write this post because cosleeping is one of those topics that brings out some very passionate people in the world. But, this blog is my space on the internet and I want to share my story.

Cosleeping works for us.

I never thought I would be a cosleeper. I mean, I excitedly bought a crib at Target on clearance at 20 weeks pregnant. That’s just where society tells us babies sleep.

Surprise. My baby hated the crib.

So, I read up on cosleeping and made it work for my family.

Surprisingly, my husband was quick to join. Despite his hesitations around cosleeping, he quickly learned the joy of a baby/toddler snuggle. For us, it makes perfect sense. Why would we want the littlest, most vulnerable of our family sleeping all alone? We don’t, so we welcome our babies in our bed and parent them closely.

I’m slowly working on transitioning my youngest into her bed. Since the time I drafted this post and then published it I decided things were getting old way fast. She still finds her way into my bed, and even without her in bed this list of Breastfeeding Must Haves still runs high on my priority list.

Probably be forever since my toddler still gets a morning snuggle with Dad when he’s home, and daily naps together. He does sleep so well when snuggled with his family. Who could blame him, I sleep best knowing my husband is close too.

Breastfeeding Must-Haves

Daisy Pops Breastfeeding Sleep Shirt: every other makeshift nursing pj top I’ve used over the past two years is subpar to the amazingness of the DaisyPops Breastfeeding shirt. Not only will it keep my shoulders warm, but the boob access is so easy and the fabric is so comfy soft. #nomorecoldshoulders but better yet no more tugging on necklines and lifting of shirts only to straggle yourself in your sleep.

Favourite PJ Pants. DaisyPops doesn’t sell matching PJ bottoms, but have no fear your favourite pair clearance rack at your local department store will do just fine. toss in a pair of socks if you sleep cold.

Nursing Bra: You probably want some sort of comfy cozy nursing bra because if like me, if the girls aren’t contained you will leak everywhere. Don’t worry I have something for that. As for a recommendation, I just buy the cheapest ones off the clearance rack at the maternity store. #noshameinmygame If you have something you love that feels like you aren’t wearing a bra drop me a comment below because I really could use a new one.

Night Light. Sometimes, I need to wake up in the middle of the night to tend to baby and the soft glow of light like is just right. I like the lights from Ikea. We have a star shape up each room. Just enough glow to give some light without the brutal awakening.

PeaPod Mat. Does your tiny child like to spit up breastmilk after a feed? Or maybe you have a killer spray? A PeaPod mat can save you from having to change the sheets in the night or in the morning.

Super Long Phone Charger Cord for easy access. You know, just in case I decide at 2:30 we need to actually wake up instead of boob in mouth and back to sleep. Or for when I escape to the bedroom for some quiet time and to put a baby to sleep. But mostly mom quiet time.

DaisyPops Breastfeeding Sleep Shirt 101

Honestly, the biggest downside is the pink shows coffee stains a little too well despite being absolutely adorable on. The black is much more forgiving in that sense. But that’s a colour preference and less a shirt material preference.

I’m an XL/XXL kind of girl. I’ll be honest, I haven’t lost the baby weight and not anywhere near that stage of my life. Unfortunately, DaisyPops Breastfeeding Sleep Shirt only comes in a size Large. I bravely ordered the Large, and it FITS!. but my postpartum tummy definitely hangs out a bit. The fit in the shoulders is great and overall comfort is right on.

Despite the belly issue, I find the shirt really comfortable to wear and use. I might have pilled up all of my other pj’s and put them to the curb for donations, and only left DaisyPops in my drawer. #truestory. #tinynorthernliving

In my dream world, the DaisyPops Breastfeeding Sleep shirt would have a long sleeve option for cold Canadian Winters in the North, and more sizes (or more tummy coverage) to fit us chunkier ladies.

Earlier this week, I finally bucked up the courage to not only scope out the local daycare page but to also send a few messages. I usually just complain, and think about it. #truestory

That morning I had great expectations of hitting up Starbucks to study for a solid 3 hours and getting some work done both on the blog and in my coursework. However, plans changed, and this did not come to fruition. Usually, no big deal. But if you’re struggling hard with PMDD and haven’t had alone time for over 48 hours (not even to sleep), then shit hits the fan.

So after a solid cry in bed, packing my bags, and trying to leave. We had a head to head and chatted it out. I need childcare for at least one kid. Between managing this blog (which I love to do), downsizing our house for Tiny Home Goals, and just trying to find me in it all, I need a break.

My husband is home so seldom, and when he is home making it a priority to just recoup is incredibly tricky. I can’t just pack the buck to him. Life is more complicated than that.

I sent a few messages, and a few people got back to me. Sure they said. “Can you give me days a month in advance?” Sure I said, I’m a SAHM whatever you have available.

Whoops.

That was my big mistake.

This daycare lady then proceeded to tell me it wouldn’t work out.

What? Why?

“also you don’t have a need.”

Those words now burn into my soul like the fiery anguish of a mom who had a bad day and now pushed to her breaking point.

I don’t have a need.

I don’t have a need.

I don’t have a need.

I don’t have a need.

I can’t shake it because those five tiny words are a smack in the face from one woman to another. To tell me I can’t have childcare because I don’t have a need is fucking ridiculous.

Because I do have a need.

I need childcare because…

I’m currently taking one class online, and I have a major project and exam soon. Not sure if you’ve ever studied with kids, but almost impossible.

I manage this blog and social media platforms. Not only do I blog about my life but I have sponsored posts that other companiesrely on. This is kind of my business. I’ll pay taxes on it next year.

I haven’t been to the dentist in a year because I don’t’ have a childcare.

I can barely see the text in my textbook because my eyes have significantly degraded since my last pregnancy, but trying taking two kids to an eye exam.

A haircut? What’s that? My toddler’s had his hair done more than me in the past year because of his takes 10 minutes; mine is more like 40 minutes, and nobody but me has the patience for that.

I’m trying to downsize my life and getting rid of stuff with helpful toddlers only creates more mess.

Just because I am a woman, and I stay at home, does not mean I have to spend my life enslaved to my home and children.

I’m thinking about getting a real job and applying for real jobs and doing interviews is a challenge for kids in tow.

My house looks like a fucking tornado went off because everytime I mop up the yoghurt on the floor, someone puts it right back on the floor.

So my dear, please shut the fuck up and watch your words. Because I do have a need and you hurt my feelings. Yes, because words hurt even adults. They sting like the death of a thousand suns or whatever the saying is.

Because it reminds me that I’m a failure as a mom.

I hate spending my days at home alone with my children and that thought and my desire to escape with childcare makes me a failure.

It reminds me that I’m trapped in the role as a SAHM because childcare is near impossible, my husband’s job is too crazy, and don’t have a career path.

Tell me I didn’t have makes me feel like I have zero value to myself. And while I might fight to believe the value I do have, I know I need time to think about me, to be me, and to be something other than a mother.

Because motherhood doesn’t define me, and it’s okay that I’m asking for help. You’re the first person I asked for help from today, and you slapped me in the face by making me feel as if I wasn’t important.

I share because I’m hurt, this is my blog, and I needed to let this out to sleep tonight.

Ever since she told me I didn’t have a need, I’ve been a whirlwind of a tizzy trying to reground and I just can’t. I’m emotionally blown out proportion and entirely distraught.

Let’s talk about RUMPS. RUMPS? #wtf. If you’re not in the know, then this acronym might be a bit of a stumble for you. RUMPS refers to ReUseable Menstrual products like cloth pads, menstrual cups, and other possibilities for changing up how you deal with your monthly flow. That’s right; this post is going to get personal. Stop reading now if this is just too much information. Perhaps you’d prefer something like this blog post, or maybe this one.

Also, full disclosure: Hope Mountain Cloth sent me some product in exchange for a mention. As always, this hard working dedicated blogger strives to share her honest truth with you. The FTC just likes #disclosure #youknow.

The Switch to Cloth

I switched to menstrual cloth pads way before it was cool.

If you don’t know this about me, I attended a women’s college in Missouri in 2008-2010. At the time I was pursuing a degree in elementary education, but quickly released I don’t like children and thought about finishing my Associates before going on to do a degree in Environmental Law. That story never panned out, but at some point, during my educational career the environmental impact of feminine hygiene products came up.

As a young go-getter at a women’s college, I had zero fear of ordering a set of cloth pads. I cringed at the upfront cost but reminded myself that I pay that much (and more) each year for disposable menstrual products.

This switch was the best thing I ever did.

However, it lasted maybe a year before I lost interest, and lacked the necessary laundry skills to succeed. But, now, as a full-fledged adult, I rock at the laundry, and menstrual cloth pads do not scare me.

Between that time and now, I used a mix of ‘green disposable menstrual pads.’ My short stint with cloth pads showed me that my menstrual cycle could be comfortable. No longer did I struggle with chafing, mild chemical burns (now I know), and misery down below during my 3-5 day flow.

TMI ALERT: For the longest time, I struggled with vulvodynia. This painful condition of the Vulva meant inserting menstrual products was less than enjoyable, and often envoked pain, fear, and anxiety.

Now that I’m washing diapers, I figured it was time to bring back the menstrual cloth pads and for very good reasons.

Cloth is way more comfortable.Why wear paper products when you can wear cosy, comfy cloth in your pants? #justseemsobvious. Some pads are bulky, but even a bulky cloth menstrual product trumps a disposable. I know. My first pads are double, triple as thick as the ones I have from Hope Mountain Cloth. Not enjoyable, but no more diaper-like chaffing.

Cloth is way more affordable.But Bailey, at $10/pad, that’s way more expensive. You’re right. The upfront cost of cloth menstrual pads sucks. It’s so worth it. If you buy ‘eco-friendly’ disposable menstrual products, you easily spend $10/month (CANADIAN) on an assortment of options. That’s over $100 per year. A set of cloth menstrual pads can easily last you over three years. Savings unlocked, plus no more late night runs to the drug store because you ran out a last month and forgot to add it to the grocery list. #askmehowIknow.

Cloth is way healthier.They don’t talk about whats in menstrual products. They also don’t talk about whats in diapers. That’s why Jen Labit with cottonbabies has the #igettoknow campaign going on right now. If you’re concerned about your exposure to chemicals, rethink sitting on a disposable menstrual product every month.

Cloth is better for the environment.Always. Disposable products just suck and as a disposable diaper, a disposable menstrual pad will take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill. Yes, there’s processing that goes into cotton products, but fibres just break down. The grass is just a little greener on this side of the fence.

And for those four reasons, I now use RUMPS, and more specifically cloth menstrual pads.

Over the years, I’ve tried a few different products, but recently, Hope Mountain Cloth connected with me to share her beautiful work. Can we talk about how well she knows me? I was head over heels to land this coffee mama cloth. I might not have snagged a coffee themed diaper, but now I have some coffee themed mama cloth.

Hope Mountain Cloth is a Canadian owned and operated by Jen. I know this mama from the internet alone, and while I have bought her diapers, and been to her door step, I have yet to say much than a Hello in passing. Online she is a gem. Her kids are gorgeous, and she is gracious. I share with this you this tidbit because I think when we #shoplocal we should buy from amazing people and support their creative endeavours to be excellent.

I was sent a moderate flow pad. It’s made out of cotton, zorb and a heavy bamboo fleece.

Unlike the other mama cloth (oh ya, that’s the other #coolkid term for reusable menstrual pads) I own, this cloth pad features a square shape and design. Whereas, my other products are rounded at the top and back. I’m not sure if this influences anything, it just is the way it is. A set of snaps offers the option for the pad to attach to the underside of your underwear, as well as gives you the option to roll it up into a nice neat package when out and about.

This is WAHM Mama Cloth. Jen is no perfectly trained machine, and this pad isn’t perfect in its stitching. But, this pad has one job, and that’s to keep me feeling dry and comfortable during an uncomfortable time of the month. I’m okay with imperfections. If you aren’t okay with then find another product. That’s just the way it is folks.

Now its your chance to ENTER TO WIN.

Guess who has a vampire baby? This mama. At a mere 7-8 months, Little Miss is cutting her canines! She doesn’t have her top two teeth, but that doesn’t stop these feisty little teeth from breaking the skin and moving down into place.

Disclosure: Hope & Honeybird sent me a teether to showcase on my blog and social media for free. She’s also graciously sponsoring this giveaway. Also, I’m an Etsy affiliate who earns comission from purchases you may make.

Canines are the worst. Molars also suck. But there’s just something about those massive, sharp, pointy teeth that make a sweet innocent child into a screaming, miserable terror.

I’ll make mention now my children do not handle teething well. Some kids cut teeth without a fuss, but my children, they let you know. My life is dominated by the following occurrences

Cranky Fussy Evenings.

Random bouts of screaming and hysteria in the night.

Unexplained Low Grade Fever.

Sniffly nose that never ends.

Early morning nipple biting.

Constant gnawing on everything.

Liquid diet preference.

Sore, bleeding gums.

Two miserable teething children later, I like to think I know a thing or two about teething. Here are my tips for staying sane while cutting canines (or whatever else you have erupting thru the jaw.

How to SURVIVE Teething.

Carafe of Coffee. Pick your mama poison because you’ll need it. If you don’t do caffeine, then maybe a bottle of wine? If alcohol isn’t the best choice for you than a chocolate bar? Maybe you get high on smoothies and kale chips? Pick those up too. Double what you think you need and just go to town. Mama staying sane and happy is key to survival.

Drugs. I had a wise mama friend relate the pain to teething to my pain tolerance. Would I want a pain reducer while cutting teeth? Yes. Yes, I would. Don’t make those little people scream all night, give them something to cut the pain. It’s the twenty-first century, and our access to modern medicine can help everyone sleep. Advil, Motrin, or Tylenol, everyone has their special combo. Consult with your physician for your needs. #notamedicalprofessional.

Babywearing. Teething babies are angry little things, and some soothing techniques just don’t work. Be cautious about breastfeeding a teething baby as they might just bite if they aren’t hungry. Car rides and walks in the stroller can quickly turn foul. I like to stick to the basic comfort of babywearing my cranky little people. She doesn’t wanna sleep without me holding her, but this mama has the stuff to do.

Cold & Frozen Snacks. Nothing beats gnawing on a cold crisp stick of cucumber when your gums hurt. Mix it up and refrigerate or freeze your littles favourite foods. Cucumbers happen to be on hand and easy for little hands. Frozen wash clothes also do the trick.

Teething Toys. They could chew on just about anything, but sometimes, I’m just a sucker for a new teething toy because it’s easy to have on hand, and I know it can go in babies mouth safely. Sophie the Giraffe is a big hit for us, but recently, this soft squishy animal wasn’t cutting it anymore. My vampire child needed something more, and that’s when she started to use our Hope & Honeybird Bunny Ear Teethers on the regular.

I can’t say I remember teething, but there must be something satisfying about sinking your tiny vampire teeth into the wood of a teething ring. Or maybe its the fun sensation of chewing on the fabric that helps distract the weary teething baby?

Nonetheless, the Hope & Honeybird Bunny Ear Teethershas quickly become a hit in my home for my little teether.

DL on Hope & Honeybird Bunny Ear Teethers

What makes the Hope & Honeybird Bunny Ear Teether amazing is being just the right size for my babies tiny hands. It’s easy for her to hold and manoeuvre within her mouth, and big enough that she doesn’t need super fine motorcycles.

Hope & Honeybird Bunny Ear Teethers are made with a 2.5″ North American Maple Hardwood pretreated with organic beeswax and olive oil. The ears are made out of cotton and looper fleece and tied onto the ring.

I admit I was very frustrated my bunny ears quickly came off. Perhaps that’s the magic? Give baby a challenge, and distract them from their discomfort? However, after some time, I was so thrilled they came off, and I could hand wash the ears in the sink and let them dry. After a few outings, and just around the house, eventually, the Teeter got dirty.

My opinion on the teether is minuet compared to Little Miss. As I mentioned earlier, it’s her go-to choice for chewing and chomping!

If you’re looking for a CANADIAN WAHM (Work at Home Mama!) to help you survive teething, then look no further. Pick up a Bunny Ear Teether from her Etsy Shop today. If not today, don’t forget to follow on Instagram & Facebook for all the updates.

It’s Time for A Giveaway.

I thought I’d jump onto a great giveaway hop for the season. Since this teething ring is just perfect for a stocking stuffer we are giving one away! Say what! Running from November 25 – 29, enter to win your choice a teething ring from Hope & Honeybird shipped to the US/CAN (and void where prohibited, you know who you are). There’s only one mandatory form of entry, but tons of bonus chances to win!

Conversations around the perfect gift are beginning to circulate like wildfire. Every Facebook mom group has a thread (or more) about “best gift ideas for my 5-month-old” and every blogger has a holiday gift guide (including me). Some families take the low-key approach with setting a small budget ($50, $100), others choose to do the 4 gift thing, and some just go all out. But, when it comes to my kids and my family, I’m skipping the gifts this year.

That’s right my fellow readers, the kids aren’t getting any gifts this year. I bought a few gifts and I returned them.

Disclosure: I know this is a great blog post but like any working mama, I use affiliate links to earn a referral commission. This post is not exempt. Click at your own risk.

Why?

Seriously, it’s overrated.

Every year I dread the process of trying to find the perfect gift for someone. Every year, I dread receiving gifts that just don’t work for me – like a basket full of soaps, a box full of dip mixes, or clothing that just doesn’t fit.

Am I the Grinch?

No, I’m not the Grinch who stole Christmas, I’m just the mom who realises that buying shit for her kids this Christmas season only buys into the over consumerist nature of the season.

I buy my kids toys when they need them, not because of some holiday. But rather because my child is developmentally ready for that next stage or game.

My toddler has been ready for free train play (compared to our train board) for some time now, and it kills me inside waiting for Christmas to give him his train set. So, fuck that, I’m giving him the train set now. Why wait? Why wait?

I thought I’d give the baby some new clothes for Christmas, but she outgrew her current size this week. Therefore, she’s getting new clothes now. Not in 6 weeks time.

Experience the Holiday

Don’t give the holiday, experience it.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say again, I need experiences and companion ever. I need less things, and I need more time with the friends and family I love.

So skip buying me a gift from the dollar store this year, and come over for a visit. The long winter nights are not made better by bath soaps and scarves, but rather your company.

My kids are still young and they won’t notice they didn’t get any gifts this year. They will remember spending the day with family and friends. They will remember mom being happy, and stress-free, worrying about the gift giving situation. And hey, I’m trying to figure out if we can travel to Jasper or McBride, or Prince Rupert for the holiday season instead. That’ll be a memory we’ll all remember, even more than the set of trains I picked out.

And that’s exactly what matters to me. Giving gifts to my children doesn’t make me happy. So let’s do no Christmas gifts and let’s celebrate with pancakes and hot chocolate.

I hate Saturdays because it feels like everyone else is doing something, but I’m stuck at home with two kids and nothing to do.

It is craft fair season, but have you ever taken a toddler to a busy craft fair? No? That’s because it is a bad idea. I took him last year when I could wrap him on my back, but this year, I have two kids, and those craft fairs get mighty pushy.

What I hate most about Saturday is watching friends experience Saturday with family. While I experience Saturday with two mischievous and rambunctious children home alone.

That’s the downfall of social media is getting to watch the fun, but not getting to take part in it.

Some weeks it’s not too bad, but some weeks, when I’m in the low of my low and really struggling with me, Saturday is unbelievably miserable.

I would just love to spend the day playing with Aunts/Uncles/Grandparents and cousins. That dream isn’t a dream worth dreaming because those people are too busy to spend time with these people. Those people don’t live where we live. Why must Canada be so big?

Do you like Saturday? Or do you struggle with being home alone?

I know the easy answer is to connect and make that phone call, but when an anxious mess like me, making that phone call or sending that message is terrifying. Especially, when I think the answer will be “I’m Busy.” Rejection stings. Nobody likes to be rejected, and I feel I’m often rejected enough, I don’t need that pain and misery yet again.

So, if you know me, and you’re free on a Saturday to come and play, give me a message. We’d love to join you because I’m busy assuming you’re celebrating Saturday with your family like a normal family, while I’m just trying to make due with another crappy day.

If you follow, you might know we are in the process of minimalising our life and moving into something smaller. We have Tiny Northern Living Dreams, and that means seriously downsizing our belongings and lifestyle.

I’ll admit there are blogs, podcasts, and books out there are on the art of minimalism, but who has time for that? I barely have time to keep up this blog and scroll my Instagram feed. <3 So, I’m half hazard winging my downsize.

Current Status: Clutter Everywhere

I have sold over $500 worth of my stuff to people on the internet. I’ve posted on Ebay (and failed), on Facebook (with success) and even Craigslist (less than successful). I mostly sell stuff for $5 – MAKE IT GONE SALE.

DESPITE THIS, THERE IS STILL STUFF EVERYWHERE.

I can’t control it. Somehow my counters, mantles, and ledges still collect stuff. Like magnets.

I’m pretty sure my stuff breeds under the couch because everytime I sweep, I find things I didn’t even know I own. #truestory.

I have piles of junk downstairs waiting for garage sale weather (and/or to be donated), and yet my house feels like a never-ending state of clutter.

—>> So we are headed to a hotel for the night, to escape the chaos, and finish up some blog work.

Homes?

I wonder if there is this constant clutter because many things don’t have a home to go?

This thought is true because as I look at the counter in front of me… bunny ears (donate downstairs), camera (use now), jar of pennies (figure out what to do with), broken blender (find a new home or garbage), notebook (crazy thoughts), play doh (toddler), Liniment (because it’s awesome and diaper changes happen), Coffee Maker (kid Toy), Vacuum Sealer Tupperware (lets get real, I’ll never use it and needs to be put in the donate pile).

See, stuff that has homes, but I fail at putting it there.

Tell me, what’s your biggest word of advice on tackling clutter.

Because obviously mine isn’t about getting rid of it, but rather putting it away. Maybe I’m just too lazy for life, and if so, how do I snap out of the lazy?

—> really, I just need to get into a routine, but man, oh man, I suck at establishing a routine. Like its just not who I am. Are you a routine person?

Do you know a family like mine? Someone who has tried to downsize this year and go to a simpler and more minimal lifestyle? Here are 5 AWESOME gift ideas my family would love to receive this year. Because moving into a Tiny Home means I need less stuff and more experiences. Let this list inspire your holiday gift giving for the minimalist in your life.

My Minimalist Holiday Gift Guide

These represent 5 things I want for Christmas this year, and it might not jive with the minimalist in your life. That’s okay. Holiday Gift Guide for the Minimalist is to help spark some creativity and ideas around your gift-giving season this year.

Flowers and/or plants: We don’t’ give the gift of nature enough, and with the long days of winter, flowers or small household plants are a great way to perk up the dreary insides. I prefer flowers because they are already dead and give me more joy than a household plant.

Gift Cards: Sounds tacky, but let’s get over that because its 2017 and Gift Cards are seriously awesome. They are even more amazing if it’s a Gift Card to a favourite coffee shop, play space, or a local boutique. Gift Cards are not cop-out gifts because they say Hey, I know you need things but you don’t want things, so here’s some spending money to get exactly what you need without all the song and dance.

Out for Meal: It doesn’t have to be dinner, but even breakfast or lunch. Cover the cost of a meal together and the experience of getting out together is not forgotten. If eating out isn’t in the budget, invite them in. Nothing says I’m thinking of you and love you like time together.

Something Practical: If you must, be intuned with what they really need and buy something practical or replace something that is ageing or worn out. For example, I need new measuring cups after mine broke this year. This gift is for the well-versed friend or family member.

3 Things NOT to buy the Minimalist Family.

I just need to touch base with you on a few gifts I threw out or donated this past month during my great purge.

Bath Soaps & Beauty Packages: You know those pre-assembled kits at the grocery store or drug store? Ya? DO NOT DO IT. Chances are it’s not to their taste, it’s more stuff than they want, and more packaging than they care for. Skip it. DIY’ers out there, that’s okay because I’ll use it knowing you poured blood sweat and tears into it.

Weird, Random & Impractical Food: Don’t we all have that stash of spice mixes for making party dips in the back of our cupboards? I do! I also have a can of candy cane flavoured Hot Chocolate, along with some weird inedible chocolates and candies. Think before you buy those consumables. Would you eat these? Will they use them within a 3-month span? No? DONT DO IT.

Scarves: Why does everyone give scarves? I just donated a massive bag of scarves I’ve been given over the years. I only need 1-2-3 scarfs, and even then, as a person, I don’t usually wear a scarf. Now gloves, always losing those, but instead give me a gift card to the sport shop in town with a note to find the perfect pair of fitting gloves for the season!

If you’ve gone minimal, what do you want for Christmas? Comment below!

I’ll be straight with you. I hate goal setting. Like seriously, why is this a thing? But I get it, and after my dreary post on the end of 26, I felt I needed some aspiration and things to look forward to.

I’m not setting 27 goals. That is way too many. Instead, just 7. Because it sounded nice with “twenty-seven.”

7 Goals for 27

Improve Mental Health. This is the only goal I want to achieve next year. I’m exhausted with the up and down mood swings, the intrusive and suicidal thoughts. I have yet to find a counsellor I like, a drug that doesn’t make me feel even crazier, but I’m trying. I’m showing up and I’m trying. It’s fucking hard.

Think about my Physical Health. I would love to lose 50 pounds; but more importantly, I would like to feel better. I would like to have more energy, determination, and desire to be more.

Find Joy in Parenting. It’s tough when you’re on 24/7. My patience is thin, and my toddler is two. The days are long, and weeks even longer. Somehow, somewhere I need to find some peace and joy with this parenting gig. It’s the only way goal #1 will come to fruition.

Finish Something, don’t just talk about it. There are so many things I feel like I talk about but don’t actually follow thru on. Like reaching out to PR companies to be on their lists. Or planning an event with my mom friends. Or actually purging so we can move into a smaller house.

Make something with my hands. I need to do more hands-on things that make me uncomfortable.

Go somewhere that scares you. You might see me going on adventures, but there are much more I just don’t do because it scares me. For example, Climb Mount Pope, Fly with the Kids.

Find a job. Sounds lame, but seriously, I would love a job. I know the grass isn’t greener on the other side, but I just want to try it.

Did you know Bummis released a new and improved version of their AIO cloth diaper? No? At the end of the November, Bummis released the Pure making a series of significant changes to their already pretty awesome all in one cloth diaper. Check out my review of the previous version here. Disclosure: Kerri from Cozybums dropped one of […]